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ambiguous information
ambivalent information
uncertain information
vague information
unclear information
inconclusive information
an ambiguous attitude
an ambivalent attitude
an enigmatic attitude
an ambient attitude
an elusive attitude
an indecisive attitude
an ambiguous legacy
a mixed legacy
a controversial legacy
a questionable legacy
a contradictory legacy
an uncertain legacy
an ambiguous statement
a vague statement
a nebulous statement
a mysterious statement
a cryptic statement
an imprecise statement
an ambiguous position
an indeterminable position
an unspecified position
an indecisive position
an undefined position
an uncertain position

Synonym Chooser

How is the word ambiguous different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of ambiguous are cryptic, dark, enigmatic, equivocal, obscure, and vague. While all these words mean "not clearly understandable," ambiguous applies to language capable of more than one interpretation.

an ambiguous directive

When can cryptic be used instead of ambiguous?

The words cryptic and ambiguous can be used in similar contexts, but cryptic implies a purposely concealed meaning.

cryptic hints of hidden treasure

When would dark be a good substitute for ambiguous?

The words dark and ambiguous are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, dark implies an imperfect or clouded revelation often with ominous or sinister suggestion.

muttered dark hints of revenge

When is it sensible to use enigmatic instead of ambiguous?

The synonyms enigmatic and ambiguous are sometimes interchangeable, but enigmatic stresses a puzzling, mystifying quality.

enigmatic occult writings

When could equivocal be used to replace ambiguous?

While the synonyms equivocal and ambiguous are close in meaning, equivocal applies to language left open to differing interpretations with the intention of deceiving or evading.

moral precepts with equivocal phrasing

In what contexts can obscure take the place of ambiguous?

Although the words obscure and ambiguous have much in common, obscure implies a hiding or veiling of meaning through some inadequacy of expression or withholding of full knowledge.

obscure poems

When is vague a more appropriate choice than ambiguous?

While in some cases nearly identical to ambiguous, vague implies a lack of clear formulation due to inadequate conception or consideration.

a vague sense of obligation

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of ambiguous However, when Mercury takes a detour through ambiguous Pisces — or through over-arching Sagittarius — thoughts and communication shift entirely. Valerie Mesa, People.com, 13 Feb. 2025 That version is monumental — but this one reminds you that one of Tweedy’s best-ever anthems of ambiguous ache was underneath it all along. 2. Simon Vozick-Levinson, Rolling Stone, 12 Feb. 2025 Many of the runic sequences consisted of ambiguous markings, and minor damage on certain sections further complicated analysis. Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 3 Feb. 2025 Their reasoning is ambiguous and the move is likely to put moderate Republicans facing reelection in swing districts in an uncomfortable position. Lee Hamilton, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ambiguous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ambiguous
Adjective
  • Tell me more about the album’s title—is it supposed to be a little cryptic?
    Liam Hess, Vogue, 21 Feb. 2025
  • Prologue was first announced in 2019 with a cryptic trailer that showed a first-person view of a storm crashing through a dark forest.
    Issy van der Velde, Rolling Stone, 20 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Customers can make an appointment to browse the merchandise, including furniture, jewelry, silver, and obscure objects from around the globe, before placing their bids in the auctions, which are held exclusively online.
    Frances MacDougall, Southern Living, 17 Feb. 2025
  • Players carry fake guns – such as water pistols – while concealing their identities and running through areas and hiding in obscure places.
    Julia Bonavita, Fox News, 16 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • But doctors have begun to suspect that this year's flu season—the most severe in over 15 years—has taken a yet darker turn for children.
    Ars Technica, Ars Technica, 27 Feb. 2025
  • An open-wide view is way more important than a dark sky.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Despite its enigmatic nature, Rafflesia species have long been used for medicinal purposes by Indigenous Peoples and, more recently, as a source of revenue generated by ecotourism.
    GrrlScientist, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025
  • Love planet Venus starts retrograding in your enigmatic eighth house on March 1, prompting a review of the hidden underbelly of all your closest bonds.
    Nina Kahn, StyleCaster, 24 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Asking about frustrations in a broad, theoretical sense is too vague to elicit actionable insights.
    Mark Murphy, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
  • The reference is vague and does not signal any specific American commitment to safeguarding Ukraine’s security.
    Andrew E. Kramer, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The investigation finds Reacher smack dab in the center of a mysterious rug import business called Bizarre Bazaar.
    Chris Gardner, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 Feb. 2025
  • In the game, Abby is introduced as a woman on a mysterious mission alongside her friends Mel (Ariela Barer), Nora (Tati Gabrielle), Owen (Spencer Lord) and Manny (Danny Ramirez).
    Taijuan Moorman, USA TODAY, 20 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The exact circumstances surrounding Grant’s death were unclear late Saturday, but advocates were circulating a Facebook post by a relative of another man held at Auburn that claimed Grant had sought medical assistance prior to being discovered unresponsive.
    Graham Rayman, New York Daily News, 23 Feb. 2025
  • The scope of tariffs remain unclear currently, beyond China many tariffs are proposed but not yet implemented.
    Simon Moore, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The Depths are a murky environment with unique gameplay mechanics tied to darkness and light, so players better not skimp on lanterns and torches.
    Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 20 Feb. 2025
  • Speaking Wednesday at the HPA Tech Retreat, an annual engineering conference taking place this week in Palm Springs, Welsh reviewed some of the recent steps and decisions toward AI legislation, a subject that remains murky.
    Carolyn Giardina, Variety, 19 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ambiguous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ambiguous. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.

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